The Importance of Vitamin D During Pregnancy

Through recent investigations we know that vitamin D is a super nutrient and the daily values have been increased to build stronger bones and even reduce the risks of some cancers. Now studies are saying that pregnant women need to be especially conscientious about their vitamin D intake. A shortfall may weaken the bones of their developing baby through a vitamin D deficiency. The body needs proper levels of this vitamin to maintain both calcium and phosphorus, which is needed to build your baby's bones and teeth; without it skeletal deformities could arise.

Even the amount in prenatal vitamins is not enough as reported in the Journal of Nutrition, the monthly publication of the American Society for Nutrition. In a study conducted by University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, "more than 80 percent of African American women and nearly half of White women tested at delivery had levels of vitamin D that were too low, even though more than 90 percent of them used prenatal vitamins during pregnancy," said Lisa Bodnar, an assistant professor of epidemiology and lead author of the study.

Soft bones in newborns due to a vitamin D deficiency, also known as rickets was thought to have been eradicated over 50 years ago in the United States, but evidence of thinner, weaker bones born to mothers with this deficiency has put a red flag to doctors today. Since vitamin D transports bone building calcium through the placenta, getting enough of this nutrient is especially important during the last trimester, when a baby's skeleton forms.

Sun or Supplements

Vitamin D is made in the skin when it's exposed to sunlight. The women who deliver in the summer usually have much more of this nutrient in their blood than moms who give birth in the winter and spring, especially in northern latitudes. Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine" vitamin as most people obtain optimal levels by getting adequate sun. As women are staying out of the sun due to the fear of skin cancer, a body's vitamin D level plummets. This is where supplementation comes in.

Talk with your obstetrician early in your pregnancy and also ask to have your vitamin D level taken (through blood) to see where you are. Vitamin D supplementation is safe in the 1000 to 2000 IU daily. You will need this vitamin throughout your pregnancy and while lactating. It is also a good vitamin to keep in your regime forever, per your doctor's recommendation.

Along with supplements and sunshine, it doesn't hurt to eat vitamin D rich foods too. Natural sources can be found in fortified dairy and cereals, fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, and eggs.

References:

Science & Technology: Vitamin D. Deficiency Widespread During Pregnancy

Osher Center for Integrative Medicine; Vitamin D Update

Balch CNC, Phyllis A.; Prescription for Nutritional Healing 5th Edition; 2010; pg. 27-28